PonyatnoHow it's calculated
The phase is worked out from the cycle day exactly as in the Ponyatno app. Ovulation is placed 14 days before the end of the cycle: ovulation day = cycle length − 14.
The ovulatory phase is the ovulation day plus one day either side. Anything earlier is follicular (your period is part of it — that's how lab reports label it), anything later is luteal.
The calculator then takes the range for that phase and your units and compares your result with it: below, inside or above. Nothing is converted between units. The ranges are the same ones the app uses when reading lab reports: typical reference intervals for non-pregnant women of reproductive age on the most widely used analyzers.
What to know
Which cycle days hormones are tested on
FSH, LH and estradiol are usually tested on days 2–5 — the early follicular phase, when levels are most stable and easy to compare from cycle to cycle. 17-OH progesterone is also usually tested in the first half of the cycle.
Progesterone is most useful in the mid-luteal phase, about 7 days before your next period is due. In a 28-day cycle that's around day 21; in a longer cycle it's later, because the day is counted back from the expected period. If your doctor asked for a specific day, go with that.
When the range may not apply
The ranges are for adult women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding and not taking hormonal contraception or hormone therapy — all of these change hormone levels strongly and on purpose. They also don't apply after menopause or to teenagers.
The phase by day is an estimate. If your cycles are irregular or you ovulated earlier or later than usual, the real phase on the test day may have been different, and an “out of range” value may be normal for that phase.
The range on your report comes first
Labs use different analyzers, and their limits differ, sometimes a lot. If your report gives a range for your phase, rely on it; the calculator helps you work out which phase your test day was in. A result near the limit is a reason to talk to your doctor, not to worry.
This calculator is a reference tool, not a diagnosis. Laboratory ranges differ, and the result depends on your health, medicines and other tests. Discuss it with your doctor.
FAQ
What day of the cycle should FSH and LH be tested?
Usually on days 2–5, counting the first day of your period as day 1. If your doctor named another day, follow that.
When should progesterone be tested?
About 7 days before your next period is due. Progesterone is low in everyone in the first half of the cycle, so a day-3 result says almost nothing about whether you ovulated.
Why aren't prolactin, AMH, testosterone, SHBG and DHEA-S here?
They barely depend on the cycle phase, and their reference range depends on age and on the lab's method. One general range for everyone would mislead, so for these the range printed on your report applies — the Ponyatno app does the same.
Can I test hormones while on the pill?
You can, but the result reflects the medication: FSH, LH, estradiol and progesterone are usually suppressed, so they can't be compared with phase ranges. Only stop contraception for a test together with your doctor.
What if my result is out of range?
Compare it with the range on your report and check the cycle day you entered. One value isn't a diagnosis — hormones vary from cycle to cycle. Your doctor will look at it alongside your symptoms and other tests and may suggest repeating it.
Sources
Formulas and cut-offs follow clinical guidelines — see sources below.
- Phase ranges are the same ones Ponyatno's lab analysis applies («My cycle»). Laboratories differ: the range printed on your report comes first.